Shauna Niequist often echoes the saying that “life happens around the table.” My friend, Derek Bray, is spending his life on inviting people to break bread, slow down, and share life as they gather at the table. He understands it’s sacred, it’s life giving. For the past few months he’s spent countless hours renovating an empty space, hiring staff, perfecting the menu, and now inviting other’s in to the process as he not only invites friends, but the community to dine at his table.
As much fun as I’ve had helping out with promo events and giving feedback on the menu my favorite moment I’ve been witness to was last Friday. Last Friday morning I gathered with Derek, his wife Holly, her mom Jill, and Scotty, the Prayer Pastor from our church to anoint the space with oil and stand in awe of what God had already done and was about to do. Derek is committed to shepherding his team, serving the community, and creating works of art that will nourish the soul. As tears welled up in the corner’s of our eyes we were reminded of the goodness of God on each of us when we give him our dreams, how his blessings are always sweeter than we can imagine, and how even in the progress of pursuing passion there is a moment to stop, express gratitude, thank him for his provision, and carry on as he leads.
As we sat at the community table that will be iconic in his restaurant I was reminded there is room for all of us at the table. No matter what we’ve been through we have life to share with another. Derek’s heart is that people would walk in strangers and leave as friends. I crave that for myself and those in my community. Life is richest when we share it with others; its sweeter when a meal is devoured among friends; its healing when we know that gathering will bring us alongside the people we love and who love us back, filling our lives with joy and wonder.
You or I don’t have to open a restaurant to invite people to join at our table. Life with kids can be frazzling especially at dinner time but taking time to break bread, look each other into the eyes, and share a moment that can never be lived again is something special, its something sacred. No matter if it’s frozen pizzas or beef bourguignon, there is room at our tables to love, share, laugh, and cry.
Tasting Menu Plates Photo Cred: Moch Snyder of Jon + Moch Photography
